Pictoria (The Ammonite Galaxy Series, Book 4)

Chapter 3

THE TIME THAT she spent on Xiantha by the lake with Ledin and their two canths was magical, but it was over far too soon, because Grace had to go back to Valhai.

They docked in the orbital station above Valhai, and traveled down to the surface of the planet in the space elevator, before negotiating the orthotubes to the 256th skyrise, and the 21st floor, where they were to stay.

Grace grabbed Ledin's hand. "Let's go bare planet!" she pleaded.

Ledin rolled his eyes, and pretended to look terrified, but was really quite prepared to do whatever she wanted. He took enough decisions in his day-to-day position as head of the orbital station; he was happy enough to fall in with Grace's wishes here on Valhai. Besides, it would give him the chance to see Arcan as he really was – and that was an opportunity which had never come his way.

They put their bodywraps and mask packs on in a companionable silence, and then made their way down the metallic stairs and onto the dark surface of the planet. As they turned to look around them, Ledin covered Grace's hand in his. They looked upwards with a sense of wonder. Ledin was used to a starry sky – in his job he seldom saw anything else, but even he was stunned into silence by the view from Valhai.

Cian hung over them, permanently waxing gibbous in a mixture of blue and purple. Sacras was shining its brilliant white sheen over the slate-coloured rocks, although it was too far away for its light to block out any but the stars closest to it.

He took Grace's hand more firmly, and gave her a hug. They couldn't get too close, because of all the bodywraps and mask packs, but they touched visors, and Grace felt an overwhelming sense of peace. She closed her eyes briefly and felt a moment so emotive that she almost cried. She couldn't help but remember how lonely she had been feeling before her first walk bare planet, five years earlier. She gave a contented sigh.

Ledin smiled, and then moved away. He let go of her hand, and indicated that she should lead the way. They set off for the orthogel lake. Ledin was humbled by the sense of immensity which overtook him as he felt the presence of the distant stars. He looked around until he found the Giant Crab constellation, 30,000 light years out into space. It was impossible to realize that Grace had actually visited Pictoria, all that distance away. He turned with pride to the girl walking beside him. He felt unworthy to be a part of her life, but very glad that he was.

ARCAN WAS EXPECTING them, and as soon as they slid down the loose particulate slope to the lake, treated them to a spectacular show of fountains, bathed in colour. They watched, entranced, until the lake finally subsided.

Grace approached the edge of the lake, and put her hands to the surface, part of a sort of ceremony which she had slowly developed over many visits. Of course, things were different now. It was no longer possible for her to contact Arcan using the sign language – she was missing too many fingers. Not that it mattered – he still seemed to appreciate the physical salutation.

Grace signed to Ledin, who came forward rather stiffly. This was the first time that he had seen Arcan in his natural habitat, and the lake was an awesome sight. If anything, it made him feel even smaller than before. He placed both hands on the surface of the lake, and signed a greeting, as he had been taught.

The lake gave a small swell around them to show his appreciation.

"How was Xiantha, Grace?" asked Arcan.

Grace told him about the new extended family which Diva and Six had been introduced to.

"Have you heard from Pictoria?" said Grace into the silence which had fallen as each of them contemplated the idea of Six and Diva as parents of fifty children.